The Earful Tower: Paris
The Earful Tower is a weekly podcast all about Paris, hosted by Australian expat Oliver Gee. With a huge variety of guests - from cooks and comedians to TV hosts and tour guides - this show will transport you to the City of Lights and make you feel like you've met the characters that make it shine.
Episodes
Josephine Baker: Who was this iconic Parisienne?
J is for Josephine Baker. Who was she? What was it that made her so iconic? And how can you follow her footsteps in Paris? Today on the show it's Brian Scott Bagley, the founder of the Musée Joséphine Baker et des Afro-Descendants de Paris. Brian comes from a career in the performing arts, and is now a cultural historian working to promote the legacy of Josephine Baker. Find out more about Brian
The origin of Paris: I saw the 2,000-Year-Old Secret Beneath Paris
An ancient Gallic wall was recently unearthed, after being buried for two millennia beneath the Hôtel-Dieu hospital, on the Île de la Cité. I managed to talk my way in and sit down with Julien Avinain, chief of Paris's archaeological city council department, for an exclusive tour and interview. What he showed me rewritten the history of Paris itself - a stone and wood fortification built by the Pa
How I did it: The French driving license
Here's the story of how tried to get my French driving permit in a world-record time. I'm joined by Lina, who hangs around for some listener questions about fashion in Paris at the end. This episode is brought to you by an exciting antique sale: At Home with Patricia Wells, Volume III, the final catalogue from Chez Pluie. Find more here: https://catalog.chezpluie.com/at-home-with-patricia-wells-
Hotel de Ville: Can I get inside the 'impenetrable' City Hall of Paris
H is for Hotel de Ville, aka the Paris City Hall. In this episode, I see if I can get inside this impenetrable building with the help of intern Ashlyn Patton. The music is from Pres Maxson. This episode brought to you by The Earful Tower Tours. Come join us in the Marais, Montmartre, or the Latin Quarter. Our Walking Tours are exceptionally highly rated online and are the best way to experienc
The 14th arrondissement of Paris (with a local)
Welcome back to "The 20 Kingdoms" season, where I'll visit each kingdom and introduce you to someone who truly loves it. In this episode for the 14th arrondissement, it's Canadian tour guide April Pett who lives in the district and absolutely loves it. Mentioned in this episode: Coffee at Sisters Cafe Lunch at Le Saut du Crapaud (And more... to be published soon on Substack) Do a tour with April
Ten things to do in Paris in 2026 (Bucket List Update)
This week on the show, Lina and I discuss how our 2026 Bucket Lists are going. Here's a link to the full bucket list that we shared in January. And here are the things we've done so far, that we mentioned in the show. See anything in the main hall of the Grand Rex (we saw Paul Simon)This is the biggest non-Imax movie screen in Europe, but they also host orchestra-led movie showings, concerts, an
Street art, a hidden gem of a Paris museum, and the forbidden catacombs
I recount my recent visit to the Musée de Minéralogie, where Codex Urbanus has taken over with a street art exhibition "Codex on the Rocks". It was quite a fascinating visit to a place I'd never been, and it was wonderful to have the artist himself explain the impressive work that went into this exhibition. If you're an Earful Member on Substack or Patreon, you can get more information about a p
The 15th arrondissement of Paris (with a local)
Welcome back to "The 20 Kingdoms" season, where I'll visit each kingdom and introduce you to someone who truly loves it. In this episode for the 15th arrondissement, it's content creator Gaby Hafner who lives in the district and absolutely loves it. Mentioned in this episode: Sang Bong Lo: 8 Rue Viala, 75015 Paris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssang_bong_lo/?hl=en Café du Commerce: 51 R
The 16th arrondissement of Paris (with a local)
Welcome back to "The 20 Kingdoms" season. As you probably know, there are 20 districts in Paris, known as arrondissements. They may as well be kingdoms, at least for this podcast season, where I'll visit each kingdom and introduce you to someone who truly loves it. In this episode, it's YouTuber Jay Swanson who has lived in the 16th for over a decade. I met him in the Passy Cemetery, here's what h
Grand Palais: Eight things you probably didn't know it
G is for Grand Palais. In this episode, we present eight facts (well, nine) about the magnificent Grand Palais. This is a mixture of entertaining, informative, and practical facts, so you'll certainly get something out of it! The music is from Pres Maxson. This episode brought to you by The Earful Tower Tours. Come join us in the Marais, Montmartre, or the Latin Quarter. Our Walking Tours are
Five more awesome things to find in Provence
We've been exploring Provence this week and here we share some good tips with you. Mentioned in this episode: The Pont du Gard, a 2,000-year-old Roman acqueduct Robion, a sleepy village that's perfect for a glass of Ricard L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where we bought our house and recorded this episode Fontaine de Vaucluse, aka Rivendell from Lord of the Rings The Sénanque Abbey with its monks
Meet the Clown Bringing the Fringe Festival back to Paris
F is for Fringe Festival. In this episode, I talk with Australian clown and actor Jasper Foley about how he (and his team) are bringing the famed international theatre and performing arts festival back to the City of Light. Paris. Also: What's life like as a trained clown in Paris? What happens at the famed Ground Control in Paris? And how can you support the arts in Paris, even if you're not
Inside the US embassy's July 4th party in Paris
E is for Embassy. And in this case, I'm talking about the US Embassy's Garden Party to mark 250 years of Independence with a capital I. And guess what: I was there! So this podcast is just me, Oliver Gee, talking about my night among the Americans for their Fourth of July bash. And here's the video from INSIDE the US ambassadorial residence that I mentioned in the show, from a year ago: https
Unique apartments in Paris: Inside a domed rooftop home
It's sweltering in Paris right now and life is unbearable for many. Not least for those who live under the zinc rooftops. The whole city comes to a standstill in these heatwaves, but those in the rooftops suffer the most, perhaps. So, while The Earful Tower puts business as usual aside like everyone else, we figured we could take a look back at an episode about another rooftop: The domed cupolas
How we launched our newest children's book in Paris
Every year or so, Lina and I make a children's book. Sophie in Paris is the fifth. And every time, once the books arrive, we hit the streets of Paris to deliver them ourselves. Bookshops, museums, all of it. This episode is about that part. Not the writing, not the illustrating, but the launching - which we find to be one of the most enjoyable bits. The envelopes, the deliveries, the doors we kno
Alain Delon and the murder that shook Paris
D is for Delon, Alain Delon. Author Edward Chisholm is back on the podcast, this time talking about his new book Murder in Paris '68. We recorded this one on location - sitting on the quai by the Seine, directly beneath the Quai des Orfèvres, the famous Paris police headquarters that has watched over the city's darkest crimes for centuries. Fitting, then, that we were there to talk about one of
Exploring the Paris district where the Statue of Liberty was built
New episode: Let's take a deeper dive into the 17th arrondissement of Paris. You've hopefully already heard the previous episode, where Tom Vickers shared his thoughts on the 17th Kingdom. In this brand new episode, I kept exploring the 17th with my wife (and our new intern Victoria Hughes). Relevant places to find: Musée national Jean-Jacques Henner 43 avenue de Villiers, 75017 A beautiful 19t
The 17th arrondissement of Paris (with a local)
Welcome back to "The 20 Kingdoms" season. As you probably know, there are 20 districts in Paris, known as arrondissements. They may as well be kingdoms, at least for this podcast season, where I'll visit each kingdom and introduce you to someone who truly loves it. In this episode, it's Australian chef Tom Vickers. He runs a couple of cafes in the 17th, a district he defines as being a fusion of
Cheese Crime in Paris: The Viral Dinner Party Photo That Shocked Us All
Updated Re-Release: This episode originally aired a few years ago and has since become one of The Earful Tower's most beloved classics. We're bringing it back today because some things are simply too good - and too instructive - to stay buried in the archives. It started with a photo. A single, damning image shared on The Earful Tower's social media: an 18-month-old Comté, massacred at a Parisia
The day I had Paris's best museum to myself (and risked missing my son's birth)
C is for Carnavalet. Or should that be Kernevenoy?? In this episode, we dive into one of Paris's most overlooked treasures - the Carnavalet Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to the history of Paris. I share, for the first time, the story of visiting the newly renovated museum before it opened to the public - completely alone - while waiting for the birth of my first son. Pl
Montmartre: The old village of a thousand facelifts
New episode: Let's take a deeper dive into the 18th arrondissement of Paris. You've hopefully already heard the previous episode, where Sutanya Dacres shared her thoughts on the 18th Kingdom. In this brand new episode, I re-visited the 18th and did some exploring with my wife, and with Earful Tower's senior tour guide Hannah Coyle, who regularly walks the streets of Montmartre. Hannah shared her
The 18th arrondissement of Paris (with a local)
Welcome back to "The 20 Kingdoms", a new season of The Earful Tower podcast. As you probably know, there are 20 districts in Paris, known as arrondissements. They may as well be kingdoms, at least for this podcast season, where I'll visit each kingdom and introduce you to someone who truly loves it. In this episode, it's Sutanya Dacres, podcaster and author of Dinner For One. She has called the 18
The Lost River of Paris: Searching for the Bièvre
This podcast episode features host Oliver Gee and his co-host Lina exploring the history and physical traces of the Bièvre, a lost river in Paris. Once a vital waterway that flowed into the Seine, the river was entirely buried and built over by 1912 due to industrial pollution. In this updated re-release, we lead a "scavenger hunt" with a group of enthusiasts to find medallions, plaques, and archi
Brocantes, flea markets, and the art of antiquing in France
B is for Brocantes! This podcast episode features an interview with Sharon Santoni, a long-time expert on French lifestyle and author of the book "The Art of Antiquing in France." She discusses the nuances of the "brocante", which she defines as accessible antiques that possess a unique history and patina. The conversation explores the cultural importance of repurposing vintage items and provides
Paris district guide: What we found in the 19th arrondissement
New episode: Let's take a deeper dive into the 19th arrondissement of Paris. You've hopefully already heard the previous episode, where Ben McPartland shared his thoughts on the 19th Kingdom. In this brand new episode, we visited some of the places he recommended, plus more. And we report back to you! (Scroll down for the spelling/websites of each place mentioned). This episode brought to you by
The 19th arrondissement of Paris (with a local)
Welcome back to "The 20 Kingdoms", a new season of The Earful Tower podcast. As you probably know, there are 20 districts in Paris, known as arrondissements. They may as well be kingdoms, at least for this podcast season, where I'll visit each kingdom and introduce you to someone who truly loves it. That's the whole concept. This isn't me recommending cafes or restaurants in different parts of tow
Following the Rose Line to the Paris observatory
Let's take a deep dive into the Paris Rose Line. This is an updated re-release of the time I did another A to Z season, where A was for Arago, the name of the scientist who helped map out the Paris meridian line (François Arago (1786-1853)). In this episode, I explored the "Rose Line" (as it was called in the Da Vinci Code), sought out the bronze medallions along the streets of Paris, through the
The INIMITABLE Arc de Triomphe: Five things you didn't know
It's another new season - and we're doing a new take on the A to Z of Paris. This time, A stands for Arc de Triomphe. A big thanks to the team at the Arch, who opened this majestic monument just for me! I had the whole thing to myself, did an interview on top - and then made this episode. You'll hear my wife Lina as my sidekick as I share about 10-15 cool things about the Arch, at least five of w
What to do in Belleville and the 20th district of Paris
Let's take a deeper dive into the 20th arrondissement of Paris. This is an updated re-release of the time we visited the 20th arrondissement as part of our Paris Countdown season. You'll hear dinnertime singalongs, a cemetery visit, and more about the best pizza in Europe. There is even an interview with a Polish singer called Gosia who had just finished leading an Edith Piaf show at a local rest
The 20th arrondissement of Paris (with a local)
Welcome to "The 20 Kingdoms", a new season of The Earful Tower podcast. As you probably know, there are 20 districts in Paris, known in French as arrondissements. But my brother once referred to them as kingdoms and I liked it. It's true, each of the districts has its own soul, quite separate from the next. They may as well be kingdoms. At least for a podcast season. In this 20-episode season of
The midnight market in Paris you've never heard about
Have you ever heard of Rungis? It's the world's largest wholesale food market, it provides all the Paris markets and restaurants with their fresh produce, and you can find it near the Orly Airport. Or can you? This place may as well be top secret. Only the vendors and restauranteurs can access it - yet it's as big as a village. Every night, at around 2am, produce sellers (like fishermen and ch
A glimpse at life in our trilingual family
I speak English with our two children (soon to be 2 and 5 years old). My wife speaks Swedish with them. The outside world is in French. (Note: We all speak all three languages too). Here's a glimpse at how that works, with special guests Otis and Astrid. Hope you find it as fascinating as I do! This episode is brought to you by the members, who get the new 2026 PDF guide to Paris for free. For ev
Paris got a new mayor: But who is he? (And what will be Anne Hidalgo's legacy?)
Paris has a new mayor! That's right, after 12 years at the helm, Anne Hidalgo has stepped down. Parisians voted for a new mayor, and taking her place will be Emmanuel Grégoire. But who is Emmanuel Grégoire? What does a Paris mayor actually do? And what will be the legacy of Anne Hidalgo? This week's guest is Paris-based reporter Katy Lee, the co-host of the podcast The Europeans, and the woman beh
We just bought a house in Provence
We bought a house in the charming Provence town of l'Isle sur la Sorgue! That's right: the Pearl of Provence, the Venice of the South, the same place we recorded the Christmas episode last year. And while we'll still live in Paris and do business as usual, this exciting news will surely add a new scent of lavender to everything we do. So: Why did we buy this house? How? What next? Are we leaving
A guide to the French tradition of the apéro
Almost like a sacred ritual in France, the apéro is much more than just a drink with friends. Véronique Savoye from France With Véro explains more. And be sure your membership is up to date to see Vero and I answer your questions about Paris in mid March 2026. This is an episode from The Earful Tower archives. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. For just $10
How to spend a magical and bohemian evening in Montmartre
I took my wife on a bohemian date in Montmartre - we called this episode "Bohemia on wheels". Join us as we take you through Montmartre in a 2CV with three nostalgic and bohemian stops along the way. Earful members can get 15 percent off your own unforgettable 2CV experience in Paris. The experience: 2 CV with Cedric's Paris Website: https://cedricsparis.com/en/home/ This episode was recently rele
Checking in from Paris: Sophie, schools, and one wild launch
Last week we introduced you to Sophie, the newest character in our world of children's books. Today, we're checking in - with a huge thank you - halfway through the Kickstarter campaign. As you may have seen, we hit the target in 15 minutes. Now, as the campaign continues, we're donating books to local schools, hosting Online Salons, and giving you two last chances to be in the book... if you
Sophie in Paris: Our new children's book is ready
Here she is: Sophie in Paris. Meet Sophie, the newest character in our world of children's books. She's a clever little girl who lives in a tiny attic by the Eiffel Tower. And when a problem appears on the tower itself, Sophie takes it upon herself to save the day. Sophie is a brave, curious, capable girl who reminds us that even the biggest problems can be solved by one person with the courage t
I climbed Notre Dame in Paris: Join me for the full experience
I did it! I climbed the south tower of the Notre Dame cathedral and it was every bit as wonderful as I had dreamed. I brought the microphone up there with me, join me for the full experience. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. For just $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites,
Six small museums we truly love in Paris
A personal guide from us - smaller, quieter museums we genuinely love, chosen for their intimacy and character rather than hype. None of these are in the top 15 most-visited museums in Paris. PS: The music from this episode is an original from Pres Maxson called Guimard's Abbesses. Here's the list of museums mentioned in the episode. For the full list with addresses, details, websites, etc, check
Paris Bucket List: Things to do in 2026
IT'S BACK AGAIN! Every year we make a bucket list of things we want to try for the first time in Paris. In this episode, you'll hear Oliver and Lina sharing their top five things they want to do this year in Paris. Why not write your own list and join us? The full list will be on our official website and Substack shortly. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. For
The top episodes, guests, and moments for The Earful Tower in 2025
Let's take a look back at 2025. Here's a good episode for the fans who might be curious to know what was the most popular, and for new listeners to get a good idea of where to start. Thanks to all for listening, watching, and reading in 2025. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. For just $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast e
What do the French eat for Christmas?
For the first time ever, I'm in France for Christmas. Specifically, I'm in the charming Provence town of l'Isle sur la Sorgue. But what do the French eat on the big day? I have no idea. I walked around this beautiful town, the Pearl of Provence, the Venice of the South, and I asked the locals. You'll hear from Nathalie at Maison Moga and Aluna from Maison Jouvaud, both excellent stop-offs if yo
How Paris-based TV shows are reshaping the France fascination
Have you seen Lupin? Or Emily in Paris? What about The Bureau? Or Call My Agent? Maybe you've seen all four of them, perhaps more. It's undeniable, French TV (and even movies) are having their moment right now, and in the post-Olympic Paris glow, people are even more fascinated with France. Let's talk about it with an expert, Lucille Béfort, who runs the French Vibes Club. Her very popular Instagr
Music and Paris with The Earful maestro Pres Maxson
This week it's The Earful Tower's musician Pres Maxson. We talk about his new novel, how he came to work on The Earful Tower, and French music in general. This chat was streamed live for Earful Tower members, join the crowd and meet cool people in Paris (Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. As for Pres, find his new book, Chinatown Troubadour: https://www.amazon.fr
How to make the most of your EVENINGS in Paris
Paris by night. So many possibilities. Sure, it's easy to create magical memories with a stroll along the Seine or a cobblestoned Marais street. But there are also more than 5,000 restaurants, over 2,000 bars, and hundreds of shows every night. So where to begin? If you've only got a few nights in the city, you simply can't afford to get it wrong. We talk you through how to do it best. We also are
Theatre in Paris: The thrills of being on stage in the City of Light
Let's talk theatre. This week on the show is Irish actor/playwright Hannah Coyle (who is also one of the Earful Tower tour guides!) Hannah talks about the theatre scene in Paris, especially the English-language scene, She also talks about Alchemy Theatre's forthcoming production of Three Sisters, which she personally reimagined from Chekhov's classic play. It runs at Théâtre de l'Opprimé (78 Rue
The best books about Paris... according to a beloved bookseller in Paris
Meet Penelope Fletcher, who runs two Paris bookshops, side by side near the Luxembourg Gardens. The shops: The Red Wheelbarrow and The Red Balloon The Red Balloon is just for children's books, and is almost certainly the most likely of all shops in Paris to have all our own children's books. Addresses: 9-11 Rue de Médicis, 75006. This episode is from The Earful Tower podcast archives. Here ar
This man turned one Paris street into a food and drink hub
Meet Loïc Estimbre, a Parisian entrepreneur who is behind four different eateries on just one street in the 12th arrondissement. That street: rue Emilio Castelar. In this podcast episode, we talk food in Paris, the 12th district in general, and the challenges of funding four separate spots. As for Loic, I met him when he was behind the counter at the Magic Carpet cafe and was surprised to
Paris's specialty coffee boom: Can it last?
This week on the show it's Guy Griffin, the owner of Cafe Mericourt in the 11th arrondissement. He talks about the current explosion of speciality coffee shops across Paris and whether it is sustainable. He also takes us behind the beans... er, scenes... about the change in tipping culture, the challenges of being an entrepreneur in France, and the cost of hiring people in France compared to the
Louvre robbery: We were inside the Apollo Gallery for the break-in
This week on The Earful Tower podcast it's Jake and Holly Barker, two American tourists who were actually inside the Louvre's Apollo Gallery when it was broken into on Sunday. I met them in the Marais to record their dramatic story. "When we heard the saws, we both knew that something serious had happened." It's reported that nine items from the crown jewel collection were taken from t
Interior design: How to add Paris flair to your home
This week on the show it's Cléophée Poli - aka Cléo - a Parisienne interior designer. She talks about typical Paris apartments and what she likes about them, how you can make your home more Parisian, and the small touches to improve the feeling of any home. And of course, we talk about a lot more. Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cleointeriordesign/ Explore her website
We're making a new children's book: Here's how we do it
We're making our fifth children's book, and it's the most Parisian one yet. In fact, there are some major changes to this one, so we decided to open the curtain and show you how we do them. Lina talks about her illustrating process and I talk about how I wrote this one - and why I changed the whole style. You can find our other four children's books in all the Anglophone bookshops of Paris,
Bistros to boulevards: How Paris was shaped by its World Fairs
Meet Charles Pappas - Mr World Fair. Charles likes nothing more in the world than a Universal Exhibition, especially if it's one of the seven that were hosted in Paris. In fact, he's written the book on the topic. I met him on a road-side terrace at Harvest cafe in the 11th arrondissement to talk Paris, Haussmann, coffee, and of course, World Fairs. His new book is: Nobody Sits Like the French:
My love letter to the Parisian food markets
After an eventful visit to the Aligre markets in the 12th arrondissement, I came home to share my love of the French food markets with my wife Lina. Here's an energetic, honest, and in-the-moment recount of what happened when I went shopping for dinner ingredients. The music in this episode is from Pres Maxson, his take on the classic Sous le ciel de Paris. *********** The Earful Tower exists th
Meet the woman behind the top cooking classes in Paris
Meet Jane Bertch, a Chicagoan who has called Paris home since 2005. She started her life here as a banker, but made the unusual pivot to running a cooking class (which is now the hugely popular La Cuisine Paris). And now, she has written a memoir about it all: The French Ingredient. She joined me in the studio to talk about the book, how to make a croissant, and even how to make a croissant class
New Paris museum to open in iconic setting
This summer, the city of Paris announced plans to open a museum to showcase the work of architect Hector Guimard. He is the man behind the iconic Paris Metro entrances, several Art Nouveau buildings in Paris, and some very beautiful furniture and decorations in museum displays around the world. And better still: The museum will be housed in one of the very few buildings remaining in Paris that
I swam in the Seine: Here's what happened
I jumped in the Seine river - an activity that's legal again for the first time in 100 years. Here's what happened. Want to do it too? You have until August 31st, here's more info (in English). Music: Sunset on the Seine, an original by Pres Maxson. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podc
So THIS is the most popular street in Paris (Part Two)
So what is the best-known street in Paris? And if that seems obvious, then what's number two? And three? After last week's pod with Parisians Abiola and Margaux sharing their take on popular Paris streets, we surveyed our audience for an official answer. Here it is, presented by Oliver and Lina. Thanks to all who participated. Read some more of the comments here on Substack. Fitting music this
Which is the most popular street in Paris? (Part One)
Before you listen too far, make a mental note of what you think are the three most popular streets in Paris. Then listen to two typical Parisians as they take on this unusual question. Of course, most people would agree on number one... but where do we go from there. Fitting music this week is from Pres Maxson. Thanks to Abiola and Margaux for their voices. *********** The Earful Tower exists t
In charge of an icon: A chat with the Eiffel Tower's director
This week we scale the Eiffel Tower with its managing director Patrick Branco-Ruivo. What are his tips for visiting? His favourite view? And what would he ask if he had Gustave Eiffel himself on the telephone? Join us on this exciting opportunity to explore one of the world's most iconic landmarks with the maestro behind it all. And hang around - we'll get some exclusive access to the underground
After 10 years in Paris, we finally got SCAMMED
I'm not proud to say it, but we got scammed pretty hard. Here's the full story. Mentioned at the end of the episode: Our walking tours of Paris: http://www.theearfultower.com/tours Music by Pres Maxson. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event in
Flea markets, football, and the Louvre: The Earful interns are back!
This week on the podcast, it's The Earful's two interns Thomas Farnham and Genevieve Victoria Gorain. And it's time to hear how they went with their bucket lists after their two-month internship is over. Here's the post with all ten ideas they mentioned in the episode. Also mentioned in this episode: The Earful Everywhere podcast (currently in Italy): https://theearfultower.substack.com/p/its-
Behind the Scenes of Paris with the Queen of Tourism
Meet Corinne Menegaux, the managing director of the Paris tourism board (Paris je t'aime). We discuss Paris, the legacy of the Olympic Games, and what's coming next. We also talk about her Paris, her job, and how she'd spend her last day in this city. Find more about Paris je t'aime here: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/ Also mentioned in this episode: The Earful Everywhere podcast (currently in It
The time a Parisian supermodel changed this whole show
This week it's Caroline de Maigret, supermodel and author of How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are. Her appearance on this podcast in April 2019 changed the direction and dynamic of the show. While we're between seasons, I take a look back at this episode and explain why it made a difference to The Earful Tower. In the episode, Caroline talks about being a Parisian woman, the freedom of Paris, and
Writing Paris mystery books with Cara Black
Author Cara Black is back on the podcast! She is a friend of the show, and has been appearing on it since 2019! We chat about writing mysteries set in Paris (she has penned over 20 of them), we talk about her upcoming book (which you can pre-order below), and we talk about Paris, of course. Helpful links for Cara: Cara Black's official site: https://carablack.com/ Cara Black's Susbtack: https:/
Ten top ideas for college kids in Paris
This week on the podcast, it's The Earful's two new interns Thomas Farnham and Genevieve Victoria Gorain. They share their bucket lists for Paris for their two-month stay in Paris. I found it quite interesting to hear the perspectives of American university students on the City of Light, not least because my typical guests are a bit older. We'll check back in on them in a couple months to see ho
My three-year-old on learning 3 languages at once
This week on the podcast, I invite my three-year-old son Otis to talk about language. He has been doing a stellar job learning English, French, and Swedish at the same time, and I was curious to pick his brain about it. You'll hear him tell me how I'm no good at rolling my Rs in French, why he speaks Swedish with his mother, and what he thought about Italy. Well... I mean... he's three years old,
A very deep dive into Notre Dame
Let's go deep on the Notre Dame cathedral. Our guest: Boris Petrovic, who has just published a series of historical essays on Notre Dame. His books are a series of seven, which you can buy one by one or in a heavyweight tome, all the information is here. You can also book Boris for a walking tour of Notre Dame here. Enjoying what we're doing here at The Earful Tower and keen to see more? Bec
How to plan a trip to Paris: tips for seeing "The Big Five"
For this season finale, we're on a private boat on the Seine River with Marie and Bertrand from My Private Paris. They explain how best to plan a visit to the big five, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Musee d'Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, and the Seine. My Private Paris is a local deluxe agency, crafting itineraries for tours in Paris and beyond. See what they offer here. They've been the sponsor for thi
Five exciting things for The Earful Tower right now
We're nearing the end of this podcast season, so here is a look behind the curtain at five exciting things that have happened... and that are about to happen. This whole season of The Earful Tower is brought to you by My Private Paris, which is an award-winning travel company creating deluxe itineraries for Paris and beyond. See what they offer here and be sure to let them know that you came from
Made in Paris: Some great workshops in the city of light
This week we talk about fun workshops in Paris that we've done recently, specifically stone carving and hat making. The guest: Lina Nordin Gee. The details: Stonemasonry classes are with last week's guest Grégory Philippe in his atelier in the Marais. If you want to find his studio and book one of his stone-carving sessions, you can find it online here (Address: 12 Rue du Prévôt, 75004). For the
Carving Paris: How limestone built this city
This week we chat to stonemason Grégory Philippe in his atelier in the Marais. He reveals the world of limestone, the most important stone in the city. If you want to find his studio and book one of his stone-carving sessions, you can find it in the heart of the Marais or online here (Address: 12 Rue du Prévôt, 75004). At the end of the episode, Marie Segura from My Private Paris is in the studio
Père Lachaise: The most visited cemetery in the world
Let's take a closer look at the Père Lachaise cemetery of Paris, the most visited necropolis on earth. All kinds of famous and interesting people are buried here including Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde… and about a million more. Some 3.5 million people check it out annually. In this episode you'll hear from author Joe Start, who wrote a book on Père Lachaise called The Chairfather - a lit
French Frustrations: The pitfalls of being outsiders in Paris
After ten years in Paris, my wife Lina and I couldn't be happier. We have two little Parisian children, we have a small business, and we pinch ourselves to call Paris home. BUT... we are also square pegs in rounds holes. Being a Swede and an Australian with a podcast company, while speaking questionable French, raises eyebrows. Here are a handful of things that have become frustrating for us as
Underrated or overrated? A Paris expert's top ten
Today we take a list of ten very popular things to do in Paris. And then Marie Segura, the co-founder of the My Private Paris tour agency, breaks them down into underrated or overrated. (And you can read it all here) Hope this helps you to plan your next trip. Enjoy! My Private Paris is a local deluxe agency, crafting itineraries for tours in Paris and beyond. See what they offer here. Enjoyin
A very deep dive into the Louvre museum
Let's visit the Louvre with author Elaine Sciolino. Today, we chat about her upcoming book Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World's Greatest Museum. The book pulls back the curtain on a building many think they know, but which still contains endless secrets and untold stories. And if you think you recognise Elaine's name and voice, perhaps you heard her on the pod before!
Stained-glass windows and France's gothic churches
It's time for a day of stained glass windows and gothic churches, featuring a visit to three key churches and cathedrals. We begin this day trip with Chartres, a little town to the south west of Paris. Trusty tour guide Bertrand d'Aleman, from award-winning travel company My Private Paris, explains how we're in the midst of a gothic church (and stained glass window) revival. We took the train to C
Demystifying opera in Paris with a soprano superstar
This week The Earful Tower is going to the opera. To prepare, I talked to superstar Australian soprano Siobhan Stagg, who is in Paris to perform in Orlando at the Théâtre du Châtelet. She helped me to demystify the opera. Find Siobhan Stagg on Instagram to follow her artistic adventures - and find her on Spotify here. Want more from The Earful Tower? Become a Patreon member here to support it and
Saying goodbye to the US ambassador to France
We filmed a "viral" video with the US ambassador to France, Denise Bauer, in her official residence in Paris. This episode is a behind-the-scenes from the video, plus a general chat about what has been going on here at The Earful Tower. Mentioned in this episode: Our YouTube video The fascinating Pamela Harriman Lina's "Scoop du jour" column (read it on Patreon here, Substack here) Le Dali
